George Skelton: Rains and flooding leave claims of California drought high and dry

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Two words that government officials always try to avoid saying are "drought's over" — even when there's flooding.

This winter, Gov. Gavin Newsom has continued to declare that California's in a drought even while proclaiming regional flood emergencies.

This just seems contradictory and confusing. How can there be a simultaneous drought and flood?

Well, in weather-erratic, geographically diverse California, perhaps.

And I get it: Emergency proclamations allow victims to cut through bureaucratic red tape so they can drill a new well, obtain a flood repair permit or receive government aid.